M6 Leadership Spotlight: Brian Cleveland
Brian Cleveland brings a wealth of experience to his role at M6, having transitioned from a career in the Air Force and SOCOM to business development in the government contract world. At M6, he focuses on securing new opportunities. In this interview, Brian shares why he joined M6, his alignment with the company’s values, and how his background influences his work and personal life.
To kick things off, what’s your background, and can you tell us a little bit more about your role at M6?
I was in the Air Force for five years, and then I did three years as a reservist at SOCOM. During that time, I worked on the acquisition of intel systems. Then, about 10 years ago, I came to the contract world. I have really loved working with the small business aspects of it because it opens up more than just intel and SOCOM and defense. In a lot of these roles you work with cyber, support services, and VA consulting, which has been a nice career change for me.
At M6, I work on business development, so my job is to go out and try to win new work. We do that by looking at what the government has opened for contract opportunities, compare that with what our company does, and then try to find the best team possible either through teaming partners or other companies. There’s obviously a lot more to it, but that’s the general idea. And, right now, I’m more focused on the VA and the non-national security type of government customers.
What motivated you to join M6, what was it that attracted you to join the team?
Going through the interview panels and vetting process made me realize that I really like these people that I’m going to be working with. Usually when that’s the case, it makes it easier to jump in and hit the ground running. And, I have a lot of flexibility in this position. I work from home – I’m in San Antonio – and I can travel to customer sites as needed. What’s really rewarding is being able to engage with customers and open up M6’s aperture in some areas where the company has been looking to grow.
How do you personally resonate with M6’s core values? How do these values set M6 apart from other companies?
I think most veterans will resonate with M6’s values because they’re similar to the values that are ingrained in us in the military. So, for me, a lot of it was just kind of second nature, including ‘one team, one fight’ – we come together for a mission and people help and contribute. But, there are other aspects of the values that resonate for me personally. ‘Iron sharpens iron’ reminds me of Proverbs 27:17, which says, “as iron sharpens iron, so one man or one person sharpens another.” I like being around people who are good and do a good job.
What sets us apart is that we have these values. That M6 as a small business has put time into creating a culture that’s important to employees and customers – that they care about building something that’s worthwhile that people enjoy working at, that customers appreciate – that’s probably the best piece of working here. For a small company, we’re able to have a pretty big impact. So that’s pretty cool to see, too.
Rapid Fire Questions
So here, what’s the best title you’ve ever had? personal or professional?
I’m a dad, but I’m also a girl dad. I have three girls and I will totally be that guy you see on YouTube during the cheer, dancing with the squad.
What’s the best location you were stationed or a place you’d want to be stationed? If given the choice?
Probably Colorado, but the Central Coast in California wasn’t too bad weather wise.
What can we find you doing in your free time?
I usually do a vast plethora of child-related activities. Between the three kids, there’s always something to do. Aside from that, an actual hobby of mine is woodworking – I like building stuff.
The challenges of designing and actually making something that is functional and looks decent is always fun.
Are there any books or movies that you’ve watched lately that you think are amazing that you want to tell people about?
One of my daughters just got into watching Trolls. I really loved that movie – she cried when they lost their color. So yeah, it’s a tear jerker.
Who would you most like to have dinner with or be stuck on a desert island with
like past or present or anyone can be anyone can be a historical figure could be someone in your life now someone you want to meet, whatever open ended?
As a kid growing up, John Glenn was kind of like my hero. So I’d love to ask him what it was like being in space doing something nobody else has done before with a lot of the unknowns. I’d want to ask how you break through that fear and anxiety to do something amazing.